Rating: A-
Eminem has experience one of the biggest comebacks of the past few years with two number 1 singles and an album that will most likely become the years biggest seller. A nomination for video of the year is just another nod to Eminems success and artistry. The video for his first single ‘Not Afraid’ is one of Em’s best to date. He has made himself known for joking around in many of his videos (‘Just Lose It’, ‘We Made You’), often depicting troubled celebrities in comical situations. Both of the videos off of his ‘Recovery’ album have seen Eminem in a more serious role, reflecting both the subject manner and lyrics of his songs in true music video form.
‘Not Afraid’ was meant to bring Eminem back to his original rapping style; accent free and fearless of criticism. The video follows him to the end of the earth where he overcomes his fears proving that he will not go anywhere no matter what the situation. The first shot of the video shows Em standing on the ledge of a building looking over New York City fearlessly. The video may not be representing a deep meaning, but unlike Lady Gaga Eminem realizes that not everything needs to be overdramatized. I also enjoyed the fact that the video only follows Eminem, because the song is a statement of his personal artistic journey.
The best part of the video is actually the way it was shot. Compared to the videos from his previous albums, ‘Not Afraid’ has movie quality filming. The effects used during the flying sequence take away from the corniness of his superpowers. The idea of him being a superhero could have ruined the video, but it surprisingly works. He took a story and fit it into a 4 minute video making it worthy of the video of the year nomination.
Eminem is a favorite at the VMA’s, receiving a nomination for every year he had a video out. This is the first video that is actually worthy of receiving awards. The video for ‘Love The Way You Lie’ was just as good, proving that Eminem is coming into his own as a music video artist. Hopefully he can continue this streak and make more visually pleasing videos.